By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – Buffalo Mayor Anthony Masiello Wednesday disappointed local Democrats by endorsing New York's Republican governor for re-election.
Buffalo's top Democrat stood shoulder to shoulder with the state's top Republican leader on the rain drenched steps of City Hall. It was in many ways a familiar scene. Masiello and Pataki have weathered many of the region's troubles together. Despite party differences, Masiello says he's comfortable with Pataki,and with what he's done for the city.
Masiello cited Pataki's support with a host of ongoing projects, including Bioinformatics, the inner harbor and brownfields redevelopment.
But Assembly Majority Leader Paul Tokasz says Masiello seems to forget where the money comes from. Tokasz says it's Democratic lawmakers who usually up the funding for these and other budget items.
The Cheektowaga Democrat says he's disappointed with Masiello's decison. But, he called it "irrelevant."
The endorsement came on the heals of more bad polling news for the McCall campaign. A Quinnipiac Poll released yesterday shows Pataki with a 16 point lead over McCall. But Tokasz says their internal polls show the race is much closer.